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Best movies for kids in August 2012

By Jo Harris |

It's all happening in August for little movie fans! Step Up 4: Miami Heat will have dance fans busting a move, kids will sing their hearts out with The Sapphires, and you'll fall in love with Nemo all over again with the Finding Nemo3D re-boot. Plus there are hot DVD releases coming our way, featuring the animated series The Avengers suiting up to save the world, and the inspiring story of the man behind Elmo, everyone's favourite Sesame Street character. So whether it's dancing, singing, cartoons, superheroes or an inspiring story, there's a something for everyone. Here's our pick of of top movie and DVD releases.

Finding Nemo 3D

This digitally enhanced version of the much-loved family flick, Finding Nemo, is a brilliant way to spend a rainy afternoon. It tells the tale of an over-protective clownfish named Marlin and his uber-adventurous son, Nemo. They take us on an epic underwater adventure that the whole family will love.

Ages: This movie is a classic for kids big and small, but there are some shark scenes which could frighten little viewers.

Adult compatibility: There’s a reason this film won best Animated Feature at the 2003 Academy Awards; it speaks to adults just as much as it does to kids.

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey

A rare insight into the life of a superstar puppeteer; this documentary film tells the inspiring tale of the man behind the world’s most loved furry creature, Elmo. A story that is full of heart and a great homage to the talents of one man who had a big dream.

Ages:Primary school kids who loved Elmo as a small child will get the most of out of this movie. Toddlers and pre-schoolers may not appreciate the sentimentality. Warning: A few crude words and a drug reference or two.

Adult compatibility: This movie is as warm and fuzzy as Elmo himself and will delight grown-ups one and all.

The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (Season 1)

Everyone’s favourite super heroes - The Hulk, Captain America, Thor and Iron Man - unite to save the planet from supervillains, mythical monsters and other baddies, who are hellbent on creating as much destruction as possible. This is a complete box set of season one, jam packed full of the all the action you would expect from a Marvel Comics moving picture creation.

Ages: Definitely one for the boys, five years and over.

Adult compatibility: Unless you're a comic book/animation fan, put your feet up and open your favourite book while the young lads get their superhero fix.

The Sapphires

When four young Aboriginal singers from a remote community are plucked from obscurity and thrust into the spotlight, the result is a movie that is both inspiring and hilarious. Set in the 1960s against a backdrop of racial and social uncertainty, this flick is set to become an Australian classic.

Ages: Older primary school kids will understand a lot of this movie with a bit of a history lesson thrown in, they'll also enjoy the groovy "retro" music.

Adult compatibility: Parents will recognise a lot of the fantastic '60s hits performed in the film and the uplifting story that speaks to the heart. Definitely one for your must-see list.

Step Up 4: Miami Heat

Get your dancing shoes on, and get set for some serious dance floor drama! The fourth movie in the Step Up series promises infectious moves and music, and will have you shimmying and sashaying all the way home. The story revolves around a young dancer, Emily, who arrives in Miami with aspirations of making it big. She falls in love with fellow toe-tapper Sean and together they take the dance world and the neighbourhood by storm.

Ages: Best suited to dance-loving tweens and teens.

Adult compatibility: Mums and dads who are big fans of dance will enjoy this film, however, the romantic storyline may be a little schmaltzy.